The skies above the academy split open with fire and fury. The black dragon loomed like a storm made flesh, his wings spanning half the horizon, claws gleaming like obsidian blades. Every beat of those vast wings sent shockwaves across the air, scattering clouds into ribbons of smoke and ash.
But he was not alone against them.
From below, the academy's might rose. Dragonborn students mounted on their bonded dragons streaked into the heavens, their scales glimmering like sparks of every color—emerald, sapphire, crimson, and gold. The strongest of the dragonshifters shed their human forms midair, their bodies twisting, bones elongating, wings bursting forth until they became dragons themselves—smaller than the black monstrosity, but fierce and determined, their roars joining the chorus of defiance.
"We shall defend our home!" one cried, her crimson wings slicing into the skies.
"For the academy!" shouted another, before hurling himself at the beast's flank.
